Car-coupling



W. J. MQLEAN.

GAR GOUPLING.

.(No Model.)

Patented May 22, 1883.

N PUERS. Pr-bwunmmpm wwingw ILC4 ,UNITEDA STATES PATENT OEEICE.

WILLIAM J. lMCLEAN, OF JACKSON, LOUISIANA.

CAR-CO'UPLING.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters` Patent No. 277,915, dated May 22, 1883.

Application filed March 29, 1883. (No model.)

To all whom it may concernl Be itknown that I, W. JAMES MCLEAN, a citizen of the United States, residing at Jackson, in the parish of East Feliciana and State of Louisiana, have invented a new and usefulV Automatic Oar-Coupling, of which the following is a specification, reference being had to the accompanying drawings.

This invention relates to car-couplings of that class which have spri n g-actuated arms to clasp the head of the coupling-bar by which an automatic coupling is effected, and the cars can be uncoupled without going between the same.

The invention has for its object to provide a coupling possessing superior advantages in point ot' convenience, inexpensiveness, and general efciency.

In the drawings, Figure l is a perspective view ofthe end of a car equipped with my improved coupling. Fig. 2 is a vertical longitudinal sectional view ot the coupling. Fig. 3 is a top view ot' the same, the cap-plate ot' the draw-head being removed.

Referring to the drawings. A designates the end of the car, and Bis the draw-head,

which latter comprises a stem, O, by which it is secured in position, and a head portion, D. In the head portion D is formed a transverse slot or recess, E, preferably extending to the front of the portion I), where the latter is beveled above and below the said slot, as shown at F, to form the mouth of the drawhead. In the slot E are fulcrumed on vertical pins G G two arms, H H, one being arranged at each side the draw-head. The portion I of these arms Vthat is accommodated in the slot E has a hook-shaped head, J, that is beveled, as shown at K, to admit of the easy entrance ofthe coupling-bar L, which latter is formed with arrow-heads M M at its ends, that are clasped by the hooks J J and retained in the draw-head.v When the ears are of varying heights, a bent coupling-bar is to be used, and in case one of the cars should jump the track or fall over an embankment, the said bar will readily force the arm out against the tension ot' its actuating-spring and become automatically uncoupled. Vertical pins N N are arranged inside the slot E, forward of the fulcrum'of the arms H Hand between the latter, which pins serve to limit the entrance of the coupling-bar into the draw-head, and also to limit the inward movement of the said arms H H. The portion O of the arms that projects from the draw-head is curved outwardly and rearwardly, as shown, and forwardlypro jecting dat springs P P, that are secured to the stem of the draw-head, engage the said arms toforce theirhook-shaped heads together.

Q is an nncoupling-lever, that is arranged to slide in eyes R on the end of the car, and is provided with a right-angular extension, S, which is pivotally connected to the rear end ot'one of the arms H, as shown at T. From the end of the other arm extends a chainor rope, U, passing around a pulley,V, journaled on the stem O and connected to the lever or rod Q, so that thc latter will simultaneously draw the rear ends of the arms together to uncouple.

As an improvement in car-couplings, the combination of the draw-head, comprising the steril portion O and head portion D, in which latter is formed the transverse slot E, the arms H H, each having a portion, I, that is accommodated in the slot E, and provided with the hook-head J, and the portion O, projecting from the fulcrnm of the arm in the slot out from the side ot" the draw-head and curved outwardly and rearwardly, the vertical pins N N, arranged inside slot E, in front of the fulcrnms ofthe arms, to limit the entrance ofthe couplingbar and to limit movement of the arms, the (iat springs I? P, secured at their rear ends to each side of the stem ot' the drawn head 4and projecting forwardly, so that their free ends engage the inner curved edge ofthe projecting portion O of the arms, the transversely-disposed lever Q, having the right-angulariextension S, connected to the rear end ot'one of the arms, and the chain or rope V, secured to the rear end ot' the other arm and passing around a pulley journaled on top the stem O andsecured to the lever Q, as set iorth.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my own I vhave hereto atxed my signature in pres'cncc of two witnesses.

VILLIA LII JAM ES MGLE AN.

Witnesses:

Taos. S. JoNEs, GEO. H. WILEY. 

